Kalopa forest reserve day hike

The Kalōpā Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area is a state park with mostly native trees located approximately 40 mi (64 km) northwest of Hilo, near Honokaa, a few miles up from the Mamalahoa Highway section of the Hawaii Belt Road, there are signs marked kalopa state park from the highway all the way up to the park

This 100-acre park adjoins an additional 500 acres in the Kalopa Forest Reserve. The park is at an elevation of 2,000 ft and includes a few trails through a forest of native ʻōhiʻa lehua trees and other native and nonnative trees, some rare plants can be found in the arboretum area, including endangered loulu palms, as well as a number of rare native hibiscus. Due to the altitude, damp and chilly weather are common as well as muddy trails.

We will be meeting at the top of the recreation area in the parking lot by the cabins. It’s been a couple years since I have hiked it but the proposed hike will go up the horse perimeter trail along the west edge of the reserve then across the top on ironwood lane before connecting with the gulch rim trail on the east side of the reserve and descending back down to the parking area. The total length of the hike is about 4.5 miles, expect slightly muddy trails with a chance of rain, or sunshine (its Hawaii). This is a relatively basic day hike, recommend hiking boots or shoes, rain jacket, bug spray, snacks/lunch, water and a day bag.

Please note the following:

• Meetup organizers are not tour guides and are not park rangers. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. You and your invitees are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you and your invitees acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking and other outdoor activities can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. The organizers of this group and current and former members cannot be held responsible or liable in any way for the actions of any participant - including you - at any event.

• All attendees and their invitees participate at an event at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests.

• By signing up for and/or attending this Meetup event, you and your invitees affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the organizers of this Meetup group.